Public transport in Amsterdam
How to pay for public transport in Amsterdam
Check in and out with OVpay
OVpay is a convenient way to check in and out using your bank card. You check in when you board the tram, bus, metro or train and check out when you reach your destination. This does not require advance notice or downloading a separate app. With OVpay, you can travel right away.
Your bank account overview will automatically reflect the amount you pay for your journey.
You can check in and out with:
- Contactless debit cards from ABN AMRO, ASN Bank, Bunq, Knab, ING, Rabobank, Regiobank, Triodos or SNS
- Contactless debit card or credit card from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard or VISA (including those issued by ICS)
- A mobile phone linked to a contactless payment system for one of the abovementioned debit cards, credit cards or Apple Pay/Google Wallet
Unlimited travel on all GVB lines for a max of € 10.00 per day
When you travel with GVB and check in and out with your debit card, credit card or mobile (OVpay), you pay a maximum of € 10.00 per day. No matter how much you travel. You don't have to do anything else for this.
At the end of the day, all GVB trips are calculated up to € 10.00 and debited from your account.
Public transport travel tickets
The GVB day and multi-day travel tickets are an alternative for checking in and out with your bank card. The tickets provide unlimited travel on all GVB routes, regardless of distance, day or night. The ticket becomes valid the first time you check in.
You can easily order an instant ticket that can be added to your Google or Apple Wallet and choose from several options, like a one-day ticket up to seven days. This is perfect for sightseeing and getting around Amsterdam during your stay.
Save money on public transport with Amsterdam travel tickets
There are several more ways to travel cheaply (unlimited) in Amsterdam:
- I amsterdam City Card: The I amsterdam City Card includes unlimited use of Amsterdam's public transport network for 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours. The card also gives you a discount on museums and attractions.
- Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: Want to discover everything within the city and the wider Amsterdam Metropolitan Area? The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is an affordable public transport option. It gives you one, two, or three days of unlimited use of all tram, bus, and metro lines of GVB, Connexxion, AllGo, R-net, EBS (including night lines), and NS in Amsterdam and the region.
Public transport networks
Tram
There is a reliable and frequent tram service across Amsterdam (except for Amsterdam Noord and NDSM), with many routes departing and arriving at Central Station. It is easy to check in and out using the payment methods mentioned above at the start and end of your journeys (including when you change trams). Buying a ticket from the tram conductor is also possible.
Bus
Amsterdam’s extensive bus network connects all neighbourhoods with other city areas and extends into the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. The main bus companies include GVB (primarily within Amsterdam), Connexxion (R-Net) and EBS, with many routes operating to and from Amsterdam Central Station. It is easy to check in and out using the above payment methods, or you can buy a ticket from the driver. You are also required to check in and out when you change buses.
Metro
Amsterdam's metro system radiates from Central Station to the city's outlying districts. Its four routes are often the fastest way to reach districts like Zuidoost, Amstelveen and Amsterdam Noord. Metro stations are gated by check-in and check-out ports, accessible only by checking in and out at the start and end of your journeys.
Ferry
Amsterdam’s ferries provide essential, free connections for pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds across the River IJ towards Amsterdam Noord. The most popular and best-served ferry route is from Amsterdam Central Station to Buiksloterweg. Several ferries operate on this short route, meaning you rarely have to wait more than a few minutes to step aboard. This route is also served throughout the night.
The other main routes served from Central Station are to NDSM Wharf and IJplein (a bit further east). In the wider Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, other ferry routes cross the North Sea Canal. The North Sea Canal ferry services transport motorised vehicles for a small fee.
Click here for GVB's full, interactive map of Amsterdam ferry routes.
Train
Trains provide superb connections with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, but also different parts of the city, other Dutch towns and cities, plus direct connections with Belgium, France and Germany. Amsterdam Central Station is the primary station, providing quick access to the city centre and the public transport network. Tickets can be purchased online, or from the yellow ticket machines and station customer service desks.
For Dutch train schedules, use the online planner or download the mobile apps NS Reisplanner and 9292.
Getting around
Accessible public transport
NS Trains operator offers specific information about accessibility on Amsterdam trains, such as Travel Assistance, facilities aboard the train, accurate and thorough travel information, an OV-Begeleiderskaart or a season ticket. Read the complete guidance about travelling with a disability here.
Public transport operator GVB can provide specific information about accessibility on Amsterdam trams, buses and metro trains. For example, route folders and timetables indicate which transport stops are not wheelchair accessible or which trams and bus services are not equipped with an accessibility ramp. Read the guidance here.
Useful apps
- Plan your trip in advance via 9292 or using detailed interactive maps of the public transport network via the GVB website.
- OVpay is the best way to keep up with your travel costs when checking in and out via your debit card, credit card, smartphone, or smartwatch.
